Module 3: Selected Players (Federal and Private) (Page 16 of 27)

Institute of Medicine (IOM)

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) (http://www.iom.edu/) of the National Academy of Sciences was established in 1970 for the purpose of advancing and protecting the health of the public. The Institute is charged with the examination of policy matters that affect the health of the public. (See also, Module 2)

Membership

Members of the Institute are elected on the basis of professional achievement and distinction. Currently, there are approximately 1407 regular members, 66 Emeritus members, and 75 foreign associates (as of June 2005). A professional staff assists members and other experts in the conduct of studies on health policy issues.

Board on Health Care Services

The Board on Health Care Services is concerned with the organization, financing, effectiveness, workforce, and delivery of healthcare services, with special emphasis on quality, costs, and accessibility of care; its activities are sponsored by the Public Health Service, Health Care Financing Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Committee on Clinical Evaluation

IOM formed the division's Committee on Clinical Evaluation in 1990 to help coordinate the Institute's activities relating to the evaluation of clinical care and patient outcomes.

Committee on Technological Innovation in Medicine

The division's Committee on Technological Innovation in Medicine was formed to study the development and diffusion of new and improved medical technologies (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and clinical procedures). This Committee addresses such topics as health insurance coverage of new technologies, early stages of the technology development process, and the development and introduction into clinical practice of new surgical procedures.

Notification Services

Keeping up with IOM publications and activities is easy. Sign up for IOM News, a free, bi-monthly e-mail newsletter that announces new IOM publications, upcoming events, and new online content.

Discussion Questions

IOM's many committees produce many reports and related documents each year. How do you keep up with their publications? Can you specify areas of interest and sign up for only them?

What is the role of the National Academy Press vis-a-vis the Institute of Medicine?

Visit the Board on Health Care Services. What projects is it currently covering and what reports has it recently released? Are there projects underway that you should be tracking for your clientele? When you look at the individual projects, what kinds of information are available that you can make use of?

Formerly active committees may no longer be active. How would you keep track of the work of important committees? How would you locate committee reports after the committees are no longer viable?